The trip was a success as well, especially as far as safety and health. A stunning example of the Lord's protection was when the night watchman caught an extremely poisonous cobra snake right outside our doorstep and killed it before it was able to harm anyone!
Highlights from the trip included:
- going to the Christian potter with the seniors from the school--he explains how he makes pottery and incorporates a stunning Christian message that was really neat for the young people to hear
- observing the Spirit build relational bridges even when people couldn't speak the same language
- an amazing personal time with the Lord one gorgeous morning outside
- getting to know nine people very well that I otherwise never would have really known
- exchanging gifts with the student I sponsor
- seeing how similar people are all over the world
Coming back, I am starting the reflection process on what I learned. While in Nicaragua, we had a lot of time to process the structural injustice of the world, and what our response as Christians needs to be. We didn't find any conclusive answers, other than the need for love, compassion, and sharing.
On coming home, I am struck yet again by how much I have in the way of comfort. I thank the Lord for all who love me and prayed for me, especially after being totally out of touch with everyone for eight days, which was hard! I am reminded of the need to simplify my life and focus on the eternal, giving generously that others might share in God's blessings. The temptation to just sink back into ordinary life is already working on me, and once again I must fight it and grow deeper into Christ and what he wants.
More thoughts later as my processing continues!
